Iona Reflects

We left Edinburgh as a group of individuals bound for Zambia, full of anxious anticipation for what lay ahead. All the planning and meetings could not prepare me for the impact of stepping off the plane, at Lusaka Airport, into the glow of an African sunrise, or the warmth of the welcome we received from the staff and girls at Chipembi Girls’ Secondary School.

Before I went to Zambia I imagined a country blighted by illness and poverty. Admittedly, these are challenges facing the country. However, there is much more to the place, the people are overwhelmingly caring, generous and are joyful in everything they do. They are the most welcoming, appreciative and loving people I have ever had the privilege to meet.

Our task was to carry out certain projects at the school: dormitory refurbishment; computer laboratory refurbishment; health education and teaching. I was part of the teaching project, delivering classes in time management and cultural exchange/ comparing the similarities and differences between Scotland and Zambia. The school and classrooms were basic by our standards, but, the girls were enthusiastic and keen to learn. It was a real pleasure to work and learn with them. Having an entire class sing to you at the end of a lesson is probably not an experience shared by teachers back home!

I also taught computer skills to the teachers. It was rewarding to see how quickly and eagerly they grasped the technology. Computers will open a new world to them and I am glad to have played a part in this.

I was fortunate to attend worship at the school’s Church on two occasions. This provided opportunities to hear more of the girls’ music and singing: I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who had goose bumps! Our singing and dancing could not compare with that of the girls’ at the cultural exchange. However, our performance of “Joseph” was well received. Our version of Cinderella was a highlight (though I would prefer my performance of Prince Charming to be forgotten!). The visit with the Permanent Secretary of Central Provence was a privilege and enlightening, as was the visit to the Synod of the Church of Zambia.

All too soon we had to say goodbye to the School. I left with many memories of that special place and a custom made Zambian outfit! Of the many experiences, it was the time spent talking to the girls and hearing their aspirations which left the biggest impression with me. It was all a bit overwhelming.

We rounded off the trip with a visit to Victoria Falls, which was even more spectacular than I had imagined.

The trip was an amazing experience, one which really put life into perspective. I went to work and give my time, yet I gained so much. It was a privilege to have the opportunity to be immersed in a culture and place so different from our own. Although if it had to choose one thing, I would say that the best part of the trip was the chance to work with and make friends with such extraordinary people, both in the group and in Zambia.

Back at Edinburgh Airport two weeks later, everything was the same but yet different. A change happened, within me, that is not quite describable. Furthermore, we had returned, not as individuals but as a group, forever linked by shared experiences of that remarkable place - Zambia.